Turkey, Saudi Arabia and several other predominantly Muslim countries have agreed to join the U.S.-backed Gaza Board of Peace, following an invitation from President Donald Trump, according to a joint statement by their foreign ministers.
The statement, issued by the foreign ministers of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, said the countries had collectively decided to participate in the board, which is designed to serve as a transitional administration in the Gaza Strip. Egypt and Pakistan had earlier confirmed their participation separately.
The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the board’s mandate under the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, which they said is endorsed by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803. The initiative forms part of the second phase of Trump’s Gaza peace plan, following widespread destruction caused by the war between Israel and Hamas.
About 60 countries have reportedly received invitations to join the board, though several European nations, including Germany and France, remain cautious. Diplomats familiar with the board’s charter say it challenges the traditional role of the United Nations, amid indications that Washington may seek to expand the board’s mandate beyond Gaza to address global conflicts.
